Search form

Blog

If your library is a bit thin on tech support, TechSoup has launched four new services for budget-constrained organizations. TechSoup Services now offers libraries anywhere in the U.S. quick help-desk support, ongoing IT maintenance, cloud implementation help, and free referrals to trusted technology consulting firms.

TechSoup is committed to the furtherance of civil society, defined as the organizations and individuals, separate from the worlds of both government and commerce, who undertake the tasks of improving the circumstances of the underserved and creating conditions in which people of goodwill can engage in discourse and find solutions for the many problems that impact the globe.

Recent elections and events across the world have stirred strong emotions and often seemed to highlight differences. No one knows the extent to which rhetoric will be acted on, and this uncertainty creates anxiety for many. In this context, we want to reiterate that TechSoup holds cardinal values around nondiscrimination, diversity, and inclusivity. No matter the context, we will stay true to these values and we will make common cause with others, in this country and across the globe, who share them.

TechSoup is here to help you understand the best upgrade option for your organization. If you have active Software Assurance, use a Windows version that isn't eligible for Microsoft's free upgrade, or you need Windows 10 Enterprise, read on!

TechSoup's hardware selection is growing! Check out this list of programs, partners, and special hardware offers to help you find all the equipment you need to maximize your library's public access computers and technology services.

Get Connected with Mobile Beacon Hotspots

Ladies and gentlemen, Storymakers 2016 is here. For the sixth year, TechSoup's annual challenge will help public libraries and nonprofits learn how to increase their storytelling skills for fundraising and advocacy purposes. We also have a contest in which we're giving away US$7,000 in cash prizes and a new camera.

This blog originally appeared on the TechSoup blog. Libraries can use Mobile Beacon hotspots to connect bookmobiles, start a home broadband program, or sign people up for services at events. For more about libraries increasing home broadband adoption, read about a few mobile hotspot lending programs across the country.

Broadband Internet service for 10 people for $10 a month. Sound good? It's returning to TechSoup after several months' absence. We're talking about Mobile Beacon, of course, provider of wireless broadband service to nonprofits and public libraries.

What Mobile Beacon is actually donating is a wireless LTE mobile hotspot with each one-year account you sign up for. The mobile hotspot can connect up to 10 computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices at a time. To get one, you'll need to pay in advance for a year of service at Mobile Beacon's regular price of $120. This is fourth-generation (4G) LTE broadband service, with download speeds that average 6 to 8 megabits per second and can reach peak speeds of 25 megabits per second. Your devices need to be Wi-Fi-enabled to connect to the hotspot.

If you have active Software Assurance, it's important to upgrade through the VLSC rather than through Microsoft's other free upgrade routes. Why? Upgrading through the VLSC is the only way to get Windows 10 Enterprise and keep your Software Assurance benefits like access to e-learning courses. Even if you don't use the Enterprise edition currently, you'll keep your license rights to that edition if you want to upgrade from Pro to Enterprise later on.

Boost is a new way of engaging with TechSoup — a subscription service that provides a collection of new and unique offers and savings and advance notice of upcoming product offers and specials.

With Boost, you receive a stream of special offers that help us put more of the tech and resources you want in your capable hands for less money over time. You drive — guiding us with wish lists and feedback — and we go out and work to find you what you need and connect you to value-added deals that you simply cannot find easily today. It's all about boosting your success.

This post was originally published on the TechSoup blog. At library conferences this past year, we regularly got one question: Are you getting Adobe Creative Cloud soon? Now we can finally give you the answer you want: Yes! Public libraries are eligible for discounted Creative Cloud individual licenses for staff. Your library can use Adobe Creative Cloud to create flyers, make promotional videos, design newsletters, and more.

TechSoup is proud to announce the newest product in the Adobe donation program: Creative Cloud.

Creative Cloud is the evolution of Creative Suite: a suite of design applications for creating graphics, video, audio, and interactive content for print, the web, and mobile devices. You can use Creative Cloud to tell your story in a variety of media.

TechSoup offers access to 60 percent off the retail rate on the first year of a Complete plan membership for one user. Adobe will then automatically bill you at 40 percent off the retail rate for every year after until you cancel. You can request discounted rates for as many individual memberships as you need, and this offer is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public libraries regardless of their size and budget.

This plan includes the full version of every Adobe Creative Cloud program, full access to its related services, access to Behance ProSite, and 20 GB of cloud storage space. Adobe also provides all updates and upgrades without any additional cost. See the program page for more details about this membership offered through TechSoup.